EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR YOURCONSTRUCTION ACCOUNTING

AND JOB COSTING NEEDS

SOLUTIONS

Construction IndustryAccounts (CIA) SoftwareDOES IT ALL

see page 9 for further detail

JOB COSTING CIS SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS

ACCOUNTS RETENTIONS PAYROLL

SUPPORT SOLUTIONS

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INTRODUCTION

CLiP IT Solutions was formed in 2002, when I identified an unfulfilled need for an accounts and job costing software package, designed specifically for the UK construction industry’s small to medium sized businesses (SMEs).

The mission was to produce a tool that met this niche market’s needs, backed up by unrivalled customer support, where support calls were promptly answered by product experts; that wouldn’t cost the earth. I had three key attributes in mind in developing our construction industry accounts (CIA) software, it had to:

• be easy to use• be comprehensive• deliver first-class after sales support

That is exactly what CIA offers. CLiP IT’s customers can be sure they can trust our software and that our support line will always be available*; with any issues being resolved in a timely manner.

13 years on, CLiP IT is delivering on that mission, with over 300 UK construction industry SMEs relying on us to meet their unique accounting needs.

Our customer focused team are extremely knowledgeable about our clients’ needs, the product they support, and the challenges faced by the UK construction market’s unique requirements. CLiP IT works solely in the UK market, enabling us to focus and tailor the software to do what you need it to, nothing more, nothing less.

We value our clients, and their feedback, in the continual evolution and improvement of our product, and I welcome the ever increasing number of customers who adopt our solution, alongside those who have been with us for over a decade, and continue to help the product adapt and improve as the industry, and their needs, change.

I hope that this guide can highlight how we can support your accounting and job costing needs and that we can help your business too.

Carl PurbrickManaging Director

*support line is available from 9am-5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9am-5pm on Friday

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CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ACCOUNTS (CIA)Construction Industry Accounts (CIA) is designed and written specifically for the construction industry. CIA is not based on an older package, it was developed and written from scratch as a modern Microsoft Windows compatible package, tailored to meet specific needs.

As CIA was not written as an upgrade from another package, there have been no compromises to support legacy platforms, technologies, or database structures. This has resulted in a solution that maximises modern tools, specifically designed to fulfil the needs of today’s construction companies from basic accounts, job costing and construction industry scheme (CIS) requirements, to time-critical, relevant management information.

WHY CHOOSE CIA?Feedback is a key part of our relationship with our customers. When asked, the key features they cited for choosing CIA were:

• Job costing• CIS• Applications, certificates and retentions

(stage payments)• Accounts

INFORMATION IS POWER CIA combines being simple to use, with being a fully comprehensive system. It produces information and analysis quickly and accurately; making it a truly vital tool for effective decision making and business planning; and enabling companies to save time and money in today’s competitive market.

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OUR CLIENTSCIA has been specifically developed for the UK construction industry. Therefore we are not all over the world - but we’re certainly all over the UK.

“Have been associated with CLiPIT since its inception and have always found the software perfect for working within the construction industry.

It’s easy to navigate around and the helpline is invaluable at times.”

Linda GregoryTechnic Mechanical ServicesNewcastle-under-Lyme

“CLiP IT Solutions software has brought a breath of fresh air to our business, the user friendly interface and flexibility of reporting has brought a new dimension that dovetails our business activities with our accounting system where all others failed. It is truly ‘accounting for the construction industry”

Tommy BurkeBreburBarnsley

“CLiP IT have provided a first class package allowing detailed analysis for all our accounting and costing requirements, plus the bonus of excellent backup providing fast support - highly recommended.”

Bruce WilliamsBramber Construction Co. Ltd(Shoreham-by-Sea)

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WHAT MANNINGS HARLEQUINHAVE TO SAY ABOUT CLiP IT“We have been with CLiP IT Solutions now since 2006 and the reason for choosing them over other systems was the fact it is geared to the construction industry and supplies us with everything we need from PAYE to CIS, invoicing, applications for payments and job costing along with very good accounts recording.

As an expanding company and the new changes coming in for subcontractors deductions we needed to look for a more construction industry based system that would cover all our needs. Our system at the time was very old and inefficient (dos) and a lot was done manually which was prone to error.

Our experience of implementation and the set-up of the system has been effortless. We had training with a member of their team at our office which was very informative and their on hand staff are very patient and knowledgeable. The system is very user friendly but if any problem arises there is always someone on the end of the telephone who can solve your issues.

Our general thoughts on the software is that it is a very efficient and user friendly system with all the backup from experienced staff if necessary. It has made our visits from our accountant very straight forward as all the reports they need are to hand, and also visits from HMRC are not as stressful as they could be if our system wasn’t as efficient as it is.

If any company within the construction industry was looking for financial software we would definitely recommend CIA for the smooth running and straight forward system this package gives.”

ABOUT MANNINGS HARLEQUIN LTDMannings Harlequin Ltd was formed in 2012 from the merging of two reputable and experienced decorating companies: EJ Mannings (who originally bought the CIA software) and Harlequin Decorators. In 2013 they won an NHBC Pride In The Job award for their work with Persimmon Homes.

Mannings Harlequin is one of the biggest painting contractors in the South West, and has over fifty years of combined experience in managing decoration projects of all types.

Running a fleet of vans they usually have between 60 and 120 decorators working on projects at any given time covering Bristol, Swindon and Bath. Projects cover Commercial, Industrial, Domestic and New Builds.

PREVIOUS CLIENTS INCLUDEPersimmon Homes, Airbus, Premier Inn, The National Trust, The NHS and Wessex Water.

“It has made visits from the accountant very

straightforward......visits from HMRC are

not as stressful...”

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WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS THINK OF CIA AND CLiP IT’S SUPPORT TEAM

“We were attracted to the Software because the issues particular to our industry were clearly understood by CLiP IT, and it was not just a standard package with a construction add-on.”

Robore Cuts Limited

“If any company within the construction industry was looking for financial software we would

definitely recommend CIA for the smooth running and straight forward system this package gives.”

Mannings Harlequin Ltd

“I would go as far as to say that it is probably the best single investment

I have ever made on behalf of the company, it really is that good!”

Goodwin Tanks

“Any change in legislation is dealt with in a professional manner and changes in software are always user friendly. The whole package allows us to run our business efficiently and with confidence.”

Sibley Bros LLP

“The installation and transfer of data from our old system was straight forward and we find the CLiP IT Software user friendly.”

Perry & Son Ltd

“The at a glance reports are easy to access and read, payroll is easy to use and links in with HMRC so there is no need to leave the programme to go online to file the RTI.”

Heritage Cornwall “The system is constantly updated and any problems are sorted very quickly. CLiP IT Solutions have always seemed to move with their clients’ needs, and deliver friendly and helpful support…”

Rosemead Developments Limited

“No problem is too BIG or too small, and more importantly you are spoken to calmly and professionally

and not treated like a computer programmer who should know everything!!”

George Bros (Builders) Ltd

“...have revolutionised our Back Office systems, allowing us to improve the quality and speed of

management information.

...Even with this growth we have not needed to employ any more office staff, due to the increased

efficiency with the new systems.”

Barnet Window Company Ltd

“It’s as if CIA (Construction Industry Accounts) has been written by someone sat in my chair. I can’t believe how easy it is to use.”

Lloyd Clough & Sons Ltd

Find out more about what our customers have to say at: www.clipitsolutions.co.uk/construction-accounting-software-reviews

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WHAT LLOYD CLOUGH & SONS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT CLiP ITPrior to changing to CLiP IT Solutions Ltd (CIA Software) they were using FCG, Winbuild and then Construct. When the maintenance support was due for renewal Terence took the opportunity to consider looking elsewhere. Their first thought was to look at the Sage package; they then received a flyer from CLiP IT Solutions showing the CIA (Construction Industry Accounts) Software. They got in touch and arranged an on-line demonstration. Having been highly impressed with the demonstration they had no hesitation in changing to CIA Software.

The changeover to CIA was all very easy with only one high quality, on site training day required before going live.

“I have been using Construct for the last five years and I wish I knew about you before then. Both my purchase ledger and sales ledger clerks have mentioned how user friendly CIA is. I get the entire job costing and management information I need with no fuss at all. Everything can be seen on one screen at the same time, for example previously used software showed Sales applications in three different parts, which meant going separately onto three different screens. Being able to move around CIA, without closing previously opened screens all within one session is brilliant. Also when in payroll being able to again change to different screens is great.

Support is good and the LogMeIn facility is brilliant, you are never kept waiting and answers are almost instant. The software is so easy to use, and you have so few problems that they don’t need a huge support team. This means you can get to know the voice on the other end of the phone and develop the trust needed very quickly.”

ABOUT LLOYD CLOUGH & SONSLLOYD CLOUGH & SONS LTDSpecialising in Plastering New HousesEstablished 1961£2,000,000 Turnover26 Permanent Employees22 Subcontractors

Lloyd Clough & Sons Ltd are a well-established family business founded in 1961 by Mr Lloyd Clough and now being run by his two sons Terence and Raymond. Mr Lloyd Clough started out by working on the tools; his main work being on council houses before setting up his own business. The company specialises in plastering new houses, of which 90% are for national house builders. Previous work includes turning sand and cement into features to look like wood and brickwork at Euro Disney; and making mini golf themes for sites in Skegness, Southsea, Isle of Wight and Eastbourne.

“The system is flexible; the reports are good, especially

the job costing.”

“The system is simple and easy to use; it’s as if

CIA (Construction Industry Accounts) has been written

by someone sat in my chair.”

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JOB COSTINGMost of our clients are more interested in day to day job costing than their accounts. It’s the jobs that make or lose money and that’s where you need up-to date, reliable information.

This is the biggest strength of CIA and the single biggest reason people choose CIA software.

With simple to use and comprehensive reporting, contract managers have all the information needed to understand how their job is running.

Using CIA gives you the best chance to identify and address issues in an ongoing and timely manner rather than at the end of the job.

Our “one entry updates everything” philosophy ensures that keeping your jobs up to date is both quick and simple. There are no extra procedures or spreadsheets that might get forgotten or left until later.

ACCOUNTS CIA’s accounts module provides standard accounting software and processes including profit and

loss, trial balance, VAT returns and bank reconciliation.

Where CIA is different is the holistic, “one entry updates everything”, approach to updating the system.

The system is built to work for the construction industry, therefore the relevant accounts, job costings, applications and retentions, and payroll data are applied across the package to fulfil any updates or

reporting needs you may require.

CIS SOFTWAREThe HMRC construction industry scheme (CIS) introduced a specific set of requirements for

subcontractors. CIA is fully compliant with these.

CIA WILL: • verify subcontractors • calculate and deduct tax automatically • submit your monthly CIS return

• tell you what your tax liability is • produce and email the CIS statements directly to your subcontractors• remove the need for phone calls to HMRC or logging on the their website

CIA also allows CIS tax to be deducted by customers, if you are a tax deductible company.

APPLICATIONS Applications are a vital part of construction industry cash flow. They ensure ongoing stage payment management for contractors and subcontractors alike.

CLiP IT’s systems, and CIA, are wholly geared and developed for the construction industry. They deal efficiently with applications and certifications and associated VAT implications. For even more user simplification, CIA even enables direct emailing of applications from the CIA system saving both time and postage costs.

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RETENTIONS With retentions held until completion of a project, warranty period, or 50:50 split between both stages; timely payment requests are essential to maintaining a healthy cash flow.

CIA automatically updates a retention diary based on data entered around applications and payments. This data is then used to alert the user when retention payments are due, ensuring you apply promptly for any outstanding costs that are due.

PAYROLLCIA’s payroll systems provide standard features including calculation of national insurance, tax and real time information (RTI) for HMRC; in addition to the recent requirements surrounding

auto-enrolment for pensions.

The difference with CIA is it’s specificity to the construction industry and allocation of payroll payments against job costings. Following a simple and efficient payroll run employee costs can be assigned to

specific jobs either by hourly rate costs or actual employment costs (including employer national insurance and pension contributions).

This helps to ensure that the job costings are accurate and can assist in future estimates to ensure competitiveness and job profitability.

SUPPORTWe understand that the thought of learning new software and setting up a new accounts package can be daunting. It’s a process we have helped every customer through and it’s what we are here for.

Online training is included with the purchase of the software. However, with 90% of customers, less than three hours (of the minimum of six offered) are required. That’s how user friendly the software is!

The CLiP IT Solutions Support Team answer the calls as they come in, we do not have a call waiting system as calls are answered immediately. You talk directly to the people who will answer your queries. Our team are fully trained and engaged in the designing and testing of new software releases, they know our construction accounting software inside out.

What are the benefits of using CLiP IT?

Remember......CIA is supported by a team of dedicated staff who are not

only experts in our software, they also understand what the construction market needs.

Whether directly related to our software, or regarding industry legislation changes, the CLiP IT

team are here to help.

Ask our customers,they know us best!

Fully integrated job costing and analysisSaves our customers time and repetition of re-entering data or

needing to rely on multiple spreadsheets.

Compliant with CISActs as portal for submitting CIS information saving the

need to deal with HMRC by phone or email.

Fully integrated applications, certificates and retentions (stage payments)

As the system is built for companies in the UK construction industry it understands how payments are requested and made.

Compliant with auto-enrolment scheme for pensions

The system provides simple transition and ongoing administration including payroll calculations and updating pension providers.

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What are the benefits of using CLiP IT?

Remember......CIA is supported by a team of dedicated staff who are not

only experts in our software, they also understand what the construction market needs.

Whether directly related to our software, or regarding industry legislation changes, the CLiP IT

team are here to help.

Ask our customers,they know us best!

Fully integrated job costing and analysisSaves our customers time and repetition of re-entering data or

needing to rely on multiple spreadsheets.

Compliant with CISActs as portal for submitting CIS information saving the

need to deal with HMRC by phone or email.

Fully integrated applications, certificates and retentions (stage payments)

As the system is built for companies in the UK construction industry it understands how payments are requested and made.

Compliant with auto-enrolment scheme for pensions

The system provides simple transition and ongoing administration including payroll calculations and updating pension providers.

TO FIND OUT HOW CIA CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS

CONTACT US:T: 01935 434435

www.clipitsolutions.co.ukinfo@clipitsolutions.co.ukCLiP IT SOLUTIONS LIMITED

Unit 3, Plot 5b, Watercombe Lane, Lynx Trading Estate,

Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2SU

SOLUTIONS